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Q: [Mom] I recently had my first baby and the weight is not coming off fast enough. I find myself having thoughts about drastic weight loss options. What are some healthy ways that I can lose the weight and feel OK both physically and mentally?

A: “Drastic” can have several meanings, but I have had patients who have dieted, restricted, exercised to extreme measures, purged and have had bariatric surgeries trying to lose weight. None of these options held long-term results for my patients.

Most people have no idea what it is really like to suffer with an eating disorder. They think it is the need to be skinny. They think the person with bulimia nervosa could quit if they really wanted to. "Just don't do that" is a phrase repeated by family members, friends and some therapists. There is so much misunderstanding of this complex disorder that I am going to bring you into the mind of a person in the depths of the disorder. You will never view the disorder in the same way after reading this. If you relate to this story know it is common to many more people than you realize. But most important I want you to know that with help even this person recovered... fully.

Before the holidays start you may be looking for that perfect diet. You want to look your best for the family and friends you may not have seen since last holiday season. You have to lose those ten pounds you gained since last year. So you diet and restrict as the holidays approach.

Then you eat more than you intended. You think, “well I’ve already blown it so I may as well eat some more.” You will get back on your diet tomorrow. You promise yourself that the New Year will be different, and it is for a few weeks. And so it continues year after year after year.

Eating disorders are a group of conditions marked by an unhealthy, unrealist view of food and weight and are usually linked to deeper psychological issue. They are serious illnesses that impact millions of people each year and can be life-threatening.

Eating disorders are a group of conditions marked by an unhealthy, unrealist view of food and weight and are usually linked to deeper psychological issue. They are serious illnesses that impact millions of people each year and can be life-threatening.

PITTSTON, PA (WVIA) - Our panel takes your questions about Eating Disorders on the next live Call the Doctor on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. on WVIA-TV.

Eating disorders are a group of conditions marked by an unhealthy, unrealistic view of food and weight and are usually linked to deeper psychological issue. They are serious illnesses that impact millions of people each year and can be life-threatening.